Naturalize NY to Pay Naturalization Fee for Thousands of NY Immigrants

New York is out to help immigrants become U.S. citizens — and it's putting its money where its mouth is.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo launched a new program called Naturalize NY on Thursday which will pay the application fee for 2,000 qualified low-income New Yorkers and guide applicants through the entire naturalization process.

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Many New Yorkers can't become U.S. citizens, not because of lack of desire, but because they can't afford the $680 application fee. The program, launched in conjunction with the New York Daily News, Robin Hood Foundation, SUNY Albany, Stanford University and George Mason University, aims to rectify that problem. A total of $1.25 million has been invested to help waive the application fee and provide assistance to those applying.

There are approximately 654,720 people in New York City who hold a green card and would therefore be eligible for citizenship, according to the governor's office. Only those with a green card would be eligible to apply for the program.

Families whose household income falls between $30,240 and $60,480 are eligible to apply through the website. Applications will be accepted until Sept. 23. There will be a lottery to determine the 2,000 chosen.

“We are a nation of immigrants, and New York believes that diversity is our greatest asset,” Cuomo said in a statement. “Amid the fervor of national debate, today we are sending a clear message — that we welcome you with open arms to join our community and grow with our economy. Ensuring greater access to the information, tools and resources needed to apply for citizenship is vital to delivering on this promise, and we are proud to point the nation the way forward in getting it done.”

The United States Census Bureau says that 37.1 percent, or about 3.17 million, New York City natives were born outside the United States as of 2014. The city's average household income in 2014 was $32,459, and 20 percent, about 170,000 people, were living in poverty.

The governor's release notes that if all eligible New York City immigrants became citizens, the increased tax revenue would be $789 million.

“New York State has a long and triumphant history as a melting pot where people come from all over the world to pursue the American dream,” State Sen. Adriano Espaillat, who represents northern Manhattan and the Bronx and is himself an immigrant, said in a statement. “The burden of an application fee forces a heartbreaking choice for too many immigrants between money they cannot spare and their dreams of citizenship. By providing assistance in the naturalization process, this new partnership gives eligible immigrants the helping hand they need.”

Photo Credit: Gov. Cuomo via Flickr